Peixes ★ 4.5
Why locals love it: Armand Crespo's stand-up ceviche counter on Rue de l'Opera, no reservations and morning catch from the Cours Saleya fish market.
Tip: Arrive by 12:30 or 19:30 to land a stool; tapas from EUR 7 and mains at EUR 25.
CuisineCuisine Nissarde
Price€€
Neighbourhoodvieux-nice
Why locals love it: Family Nicois room on Rue Droite since the close of the First World War, four generations and a single lunch sitting under the family name.
Tip: Book by phone several days ahead for the lunch service; closed Saturday and Sunday.
Location
Address: 38 Rue Droite, 06300 Nice
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Le Lavomatique ★ 4.4
Why locals love it: The Loubert brothers' natural wine and tapas bar on Rue du Pont Vieux in Vieux Nice, a quiet alternative for a second drink off the busy Cours Saleya.
Tip: Open after dinner from 21:00; the natural list rotates every week and runs deep on small producers.
Le Plongeoir ★ 4.4
Why locals love it: Helical diving board restaurant at Cap de Nice, the city's most photographed dining room with a market driven Mediterranean menu over the Baie des Anges.
Tip: Book the sunset service for the bay light; the lounge bar below the restaurant is the cheaper way to drink on the rock.
La Merenda ★ 4.7
Why locals love it: No telephone, cash only, two sittings, books in person at the door earlier the same day for the lunch service in Vieux Nice.
Tip: Arrive in person at 11:00 or 18:00 to write your name on the booking sheet for the same day's service.
Koko Green ★ 4.5
Why locals love it: Open only Friday to Sunday lunch service, weekly changing menu and a small Vieux Nice room locals book a week ahead.
Tip: Reserve by Wednesday for the weekend menu; bookings fill up the same day they open.
Cave de la Tour ★ 4.4
Why locals love it: Bellet wine bar with the world petits farcis championship, four generations of Gazan family running the Vieux Nice room since 1947.
Tip: Champ runs every autumn at the granite counter; book a stool the same morning.